VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena sets record attendance

The VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena has announced that its amazing run of concerts, sporting events and family shows in 2019 has led to an annual attendance record of 656,134.  That eclipses the previous mark of 572,834 set in 2017.  In addition to the attendance record, the Arena also hosted a record 32 concerts in 2019, with the previous high being 26 in both 2008 and 2004.  This banner year also comes on the heels of VyStar Credit Union acquiring the naming rights for the downtown venue last March, in a 15-year agreement with the City of Jacksonville.

“Jacksonville’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class sports and entertainment is on the rise, and the record-breaking year at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena proves it,” said Mayor Lenny Curry.  “The performances from internationally-acclaimed artists, exciting sporting events and family-friendly productions continue to bring thousands of citizens and visitors to downtown Jacksonville every year, creating increased economic opportunities throughout our region. I am grateful for ASM Global and the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena team and congratulate them on this tremendous success.”

The year began with a bang as Cher took the Arena stage in January, followed by an epic month of March featuring performances by Pink, Blake Shelton, Travis Scott, Elton John and the 2019 Men’s NCAA Basketball Championships, aka March Madness.  Some of the highlights for the remainder of the year included performances by Dave Matthews Band, 21 Pilots, New Kids on the Block, Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Ariana Grande, and a host of other major names in entertainment.  In addition to the tremendous concert slate, the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena also welcomed back Disney On Ice, Monster Jam, the Jacksonville Sharks, the 3rd season of Icemen Hockey, March Madness for the 4th time and many more.

“The VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena solidified its standing as Jacksonville’s pre-eminent music, sports and entertainment venue in 2019.  We are thrilled to have delivered amazing experiences to a record number of fans, hosted more concerts than ever before and are excited to see the Arena play a significant role in proving the viability of the Jacksonville market in the entertainment and sports industry,” said ASM Global and VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena General Manager, Bill McConnell.

2020 is shaping up to be another stellar year for the venue with the likes of Jason Aldean, Lauren Daigle, Michael Bublé, Elton John, Martin Lawrence and Jimmy Buffet already confirmed, and many more to be announced soon.  In partnership with the City of Jacksonville, ASM Global is committed to generating amazing experiences and delivering superior customer service through the entertainment offerings brought to the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.

“2019 was an epic year and 2020 will be even better. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena along with the other City-owned sports complex venues will continue the momentum with world class sports, music and entertainment in downtown Jacksonville,” McConnell added.

View the 2019 recap video HERE!